The Best Air Fryer Roast Beef for Easy Perfect Results

Spread the love
Jump to recipe

Can You Cook A Joint Of Beef In The Air Fryer?

You can cook a beef roast in an air fryer. It’s quicker and easier and the results are amazing.

Choosing the Right Cut For Air Fryer Beef

roast beef joint

Great air fryer roast beef largely depends on selecting the right cut of meat.

Opt for a well-marbled cut, such as ribeye, silverside or sirloin for a tender and tasty result.

These cuts have marbling, which adds both moisture and flavour to the meat.

Also, consider the size of your roast beef.

A boneless roast will cook more evenly in an air fryer, while bone-in cuts may need cooking time and temperature adjustments.

Choose a cut that suits the size of your air fryer basket for the best results.

air fryer raw beef joint

What Temperature To Air Fry Roast Beef?

The best cooking temperature for roast beef is around 180C/360F.

Consider the size and thickness of your air fryer beef roast when working out the cooking time.

As a general rule, cook your roast beef for approximately 20 minutes per pound (450 grams).

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and it’s always best to rely on an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat for accurate results.

Cooking display with herbs

34 Air Fryer Recipes So Good, You’ll Want to Marry Your Kitchen Appliance

34 FREE delicious recipes with step by step instructions and illustrations. Instant access.

How To Cook Beef In An Air Fryer

1. Preparing The Beef For Air Frying

Before you start air frying, preparing your roast beef is essential.

Remove the beef from the fridge 30 minutes before air frying.

Wash and pat the meat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

2. Seasoning Air Fryer Beef

seasoning beef

The secret to a delicious air fryer roast beef is the seasoning.

A classic mix includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary (fresh or dried).

Generously season the meat with your seasonings, and make sure every inch of the beef is covered. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the beef.

Allow the seasoned beef to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

The rest period allows the flavours to penetrate the meat, resulting in a tastier end product.

3. Preheat The Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 200C / 400F for 8 minutes. The higher temperature is to initially sear the beef as you would before roasting it in the oven. Searing will help the beef retain its juices and flavour.

4. Searing Air Fryer Beef

Line your air fryer basket before use. This will save time when cleaning up.

Place the seasoned beef into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes at 200C /400F.

5. Roast Beef Air Fryer Cooking Times

This will depend on the size of your beef joint.

Reduce the air fryer temperature to 180C / 360F.

Base your cooking time at 20 minutes per pound or 454g.

Remember to turn the beef halfway through the cooking process.

6. Test The Air Fryer Roast Beef Temperature

Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the joint avoiding any bones.

meat thermometer

Air Fryer Beef Doneness Levels

Check towards the end of the cooking time and follow these guidelines depending on your preferences:

  • Rare 120 F – 125 F / 48.9 C- 51.6 C
  • Medium Rare 130 F – 135 F / 54.4 C – 57.2 C
  • Medium 140 F – 145 F / 60 C – 62.8 C
  • Medium / Well Done 150 F – 155 F / 65.5 C – 68.3 C
  • Well Done 160 F / 71.1 C and above

7. Resting and Carving the Air Fryer Roast Beef

After the roast beef has reached the correct internal temperature, let it rest before carving.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and succulent joint.

8. Now Resist The Temptation!

Let the beef rest for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

During this time, resist the temptation to slice into the beef, as it will lead to moisture loss.

Once the resting period is over, carve the roast beef against the grain into thin, even slices for tenderness.

Leftover Air Fryer Roast Beef

roast beef slices

Allow The Air Fryer Beef To Cool

Before storing your leftover air fryer beef, allow it to cool to room temperature.

Placing hot meat directly in the fridge can create condensation, leading to moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth. Give your roast beef some time to cool on a clean plate or cutting board.

Wrap The Beef Properly

To maintain the moisture and prevent the roast beef from drying out, wrap it properly.

Start by placing the slices or the remaining roast in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Press out any excess air to avoid freezer burn. If using a plastic bag, consider double-bagging it for added protection.

Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil or plastic wrap to tightly wrap individual slices or portions.

Choose The Right Storage

When it comes to storing leftover air fryer beef, you have two options: refrigeration or freezing. The method you choose will depend on how soon you plan to eat the leftovers.

Refrigerating

If you intend to eat the roast beef within the next few days, refrigeration is the best way.

Place the wrapped roast beef in the refrigerator’s main compartment, away from raw meats or other potentially contaminating foods.

The beef should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freezing is the answer.

Freezing preserves the quality of the roast beef for several weeks or even months.

Make sure the beef is tightly wrapped and sealed to prevent freezer burn.

You can use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for added protection.

airtight containers

Label the packaging with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.

Frozen roast beef can be safely stored for approximately 2-3 months without loss of quality.

Thawing and Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover air fryer beef, it’s important to thaw it properly to maintain its texture and flavour.

The safe method for thawing:

Refrigerator Thawing

The safest and recommended method is to thaw the roast beef in the refrigerator.

Simply transfer the wrapped beef from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight or for several hours.

This thawing process ensures even thawing without compromising the quality of the meat.

Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Roast Beef

To retain the juiciness and flavour of the leftover air fryer beef during reheating, it’s crucial to avoid overcooking.

Use an air fryer to reheat the roast beef slices.

Preheat the air fryer to 175C/ 350F.

Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat them for approximately 3-5 minutes, check at regular intervals.

The aim is to heat the beef without overcooking it.

Perfect Air Frying Every Time: The Cheat Sheet You Need

The Beginner’s Cheat Sheet is your secret weapon for mastering air frying, get the correct timings and temperatures for all foods. 

Take the guesswork out of air frying!

Air Fryer Beef Rubs

Experiment with a variety of rubs and marinades to infuse your roast beef with exciting new flavours.

For a zesty kick, try a citrus and herb rub using lemon zest, thyme, and black pepper.

lemon pepper thyme

Alternatively, a smoky barbecue rub with paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper can add a lovely twist to your roast beef.

paprika brown sugar cayenne

Tips For Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Roast Beef

Cooking the perfect roast beef requires attention to detail and a few handy tips and tricks.

  1. Let the beef come to room temperature before cooking.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the roast beef.
  3. Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Air Fryer Beef Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s recommended to thaw the beef thoroughly before cooking for even results.

However, if you must use frozen beef, adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level of doneness.

While marinating isn’t necessary for roast beef, you can add additional flavours to the meat.

Keep in mind that extended marinating times may affect the texture of the beef, so limit it to a few hours or overnight at most.

To prevent the beef from drying out, make sure you’re using the correct cooking time and temperature for the size of your roast beef.

Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is essential.

Allowing the meat to rest after cooking helps retain its juices.

Air fryer oven combos offer the flexibility to roast larger cuts of beef, providing ample space. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and temperatures specific to your appliance.

Yes, you can! The juices from the roast beef can be used as a base for a delicious gravy. Simply add some beef stock, and then thicken the mixture with flour or cornflour for a lovely gravy.

Annemarie

Hi, I’m Annemarie

Having recently retired, I found myself looking for a new project to channel my energy.

That’s when the idea struck to create a dedicated UK air frying website.

Combining my passion for cooking and the desire to promote healthy eating in busy households, I began developing a collection of recipes tailored for those looking for quick and nutritious meals.

Join me on my journey and discover delicious ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Read More

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top